Zaynab Razzouk, head of the animal protection NGO Carma, hugs a dog at the shelter in Koura, Lebanon on April 3, 2020. JOSEPH EID / AFP / Getty Images
By Annette O'Connor, Jan Sargeant and Sarah Totton
Humans and animals share many diseases. And as dramatically shown by the tigers that tested positive in the Bronx Zoo, the coronavirus is one of them. As three veterinary epidemiologists who study infectious disease, we have been asked a lot questions about if and how the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 affects pets.
Can My Pet Get the Coronavirus?
<p>When talking about a virus, the words "get" or "catch" are vague. A more precise question is: Can my cat or dog become infected with SARS-CoV-2?</p><p>The answer is yes. There is evidence from real-world cases as well as laboratory experiments that both cats and dogs can become infected with coronavirus.</p><p>In Hong Kong, health officials have tested 17 dogs and eight cats living with COVID-19 patients <a href="https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/26/P2020032600756.htm" target="_blank">for the coronavirus</a>. They found evidence of the virus in two dogs: <a href="https://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review/viewsummary?" target="_blank">a Pomeranian</a> and a <a href="https://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review/viewsummary?fupser=&dothis=&reportid=33684" target="_blank">German shepherd</a>, though neither became sick.</p><p>None of the eight cats were infected or had been sick. However, there is a <a href="https://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review/viewsummary?fupser=&dothis=&reportid=33832" target="_blank">separate report</a> of an infected cat from Hong Kong.</p><p>Another case of an infected cat <a href="https://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/Our_scientific_expertise/docs/pdf/COV-19/Belgium_28.03.20.pdf" target="_blank">was reported in Belgium</a>. Again, the owner of the cat had COVID-19, but unlike the infected cat in Hong Kong, this one had become sick with respiratory problems as well as diarrhea and vomiting.</p><p>The final evidence comes from Wuhan, where researchers tested 102 cats and released <a href="https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.01.021196" target="_blank">a pre-print study</a> of the results. Fifteen of those cats tested positive for the antibodies to the virus – meaning the cats been exposed in the past. As the researchers say in the paper, the coronavirus has "infected cat populations in Wuhan, implying that this risk could also occur at other outbreak regions." This study tested cats from owners with COVID-19, veterinary hospitals and even some strays. Three of the infected cats were owned by COVID-19-affected patients which explains their exposure; for the other 12 it is unclear how they were infected.</p>
Can My Pet Spread the Virus to Another Animal?
<p>If cats or dogs can spread the coronavirus, health agencies and the public would need to incorporate these animals into their planning to contain and slow the pandemic. It is very important to know how easily the coronavirus replicates in pets and whether they can transfer it to other animals. A group of researchers in China set out to answer these questions.</p><p>To do this, they inoculated – that is, directly exposed – a number of cats and dogs with the coronavirus by deliberately placing large doses of live SARS-CoV-2 into their noses. The scientists then put some of these inoculated animals next to uninfected control animals to see if the exposed animals got sick, could spread the virus to the uninfected animals, or both.</p><p>The researchers found that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb7015" target="_blank">kittens and adolescent cats can become infected</a> when given a large dose of the virus. All five of the kittens who were inoculated became sick and two died, but all of the adolescent cats were able to fight off the infection without becoming seriously ill.</p><p>They also found that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb7015" target="_blank">cats can spread the coronavirus to other cats</a>. After a week, one-third of the uninfected cats that were placed next to the inoculated cats tested positive for the coronavirus.</p><p>These results provide evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can replicate in cats and can make them sick. It also shows that cats can transfer the virus through the air to other cats.</p><p>The same researchers also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb7015" target="_blank">looked at dogs</a> and found them to be much more resistant to the virus and unable to transmit it to other animals.</p><p>This is important information, but the conditions of the experiment were very unnatural. There are no studies about transmission of the virus between cats and dogs in the real world so it remains unclear whether natural transmission is occurring. While this experiment shows that cats and dogs are not totally immune to the coronavirus, the lack of a pandemic among household pets provides some evidence that they are more resistant than people are.</p>
Can I Get the Coronavirus From My Cat?
<p>While we can't say it would be impossible to catch the coronavirus from a cat or dog, the research suggests this is extremely unlikely. There are currently no reported cases of people catching the coronavirus from animals.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses" target="_blank">World Health Organization says that</a> "based on current evidence, human to human transmission remains the main driver" of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that "further evidence is needed to understand if animals and pets can spread the disease."</p><p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#COVID-19-and-Animals" target="_blank">there is no evidence pets can spread COVID-19 to people</a>.</p><p>While your cat can get infected, according to the science, it is extremely unlikely they could pass it to you. In fact, if your cat is infected, the chances are your cat caught the coronavirus from you.</p>Should I Keep My Cat Inside or Change My Dog’s Behavior?
<p>Although the chances of your pet catching the coronavirus from another animal are low, if you take your dog or cat outside, have your pets follow the same rules as everyone else – keep them away from other people and animals.</p><p>If a dog approaches you, there is no need to be scared of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/03/18/coronavirus-dogs-pets/" target="_blank">getting sick from virus on the dog's fur</a>. But avoid approaching dogs on leashes – not because of the dog, but because there is usually a human on the other end.</p><p>If you become ill with COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html" target="_blank">isolate yourself from your pets</a> and have someone else care for them. If that isn't possible, continue to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.</p><p>Also remember: If your pet needs medical care, make sure you inform your veterinarian if you or a household member is ill with COVID-19. That information will allow your veterinarian to take adequate precautions.</p><p>The evidence around pets and the coronavirus is changing rapidly and our team is keeping an updated review about how <a href="http://www.syreaf.org/" target="_blank">cats, dogs, ferrets, other less common pets and livestock</a> are affected by the new coronavirus. But where the science stands today, there is little to worry about with regards to your cat or dog. In rare cases, they might become infected with the virus, but the chances of them getting sick from the infection or passing it on to you or another animal are extremely low.</p>From Your Site Articles
- Coronavirus Shines Light on Zoos as Danger Zones for Deadly Disease Transmission Between Humans and Animals - EcoWatch ›
- Dogs Can Detect Coronavirus Fast and Reliably - EcoWatch ›
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<p>Studies show that it has several <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil" target="_blank">impressive health benefits</a> for humans.</p><p>Interestingly, many people also give coconut oil to their dogs or apply it to their dogs' fur.</p><p>While <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-studies" target="_blank">most studies</a> on coconut oil have been conducted on humans, the results may be applicable to dogs as well.</p><p>This article explores the benefits and risks of using coconut oil on dogs.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from </em><a href="https://www.healthline.com/" target="_blank"><em>Healthline</em></a><em>. For detailed source information, please view the original article on </em><em><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-for-dogs" target="_blank">Healthline</a></em><em>.</em></p>
Coconut Oil May Help Your Dog's Skin Issues
<p>Using coconut oil to treat skin conditions is a common practice with well-known benefits. The positive effects are likely due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.</p><p>One study found that coconut oil effectively hydrates the skin of people with xerosis, a condition characterized by dry and itchy skin.</p><p>This study was conducted on humans — not dogs. However, many dog owners and veterinarians claim that coconut oil can help treat dry skin and eczema in dogs when applied topically.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Coconut oil may help treat skin conditions in humans, and some people claim that it's also helpful for the skin of dogs.</p>It Can Improve the Appearance of Your Dog's Fur
<p>Coconut oil may improve the appearance of your dog's fur.</p><p>When applied to the skin, it can make hair shinier and less prone to damage.</p><p>This is because lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil, has a unique chemical makeup that allows it to easily penetrate hair shafts.</p><p>Other types of fat don't have this same ability, so using coconut oil may help keep your dog's coat healthy and beautiful.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The lauric acid in coconut oil has been shown to keep hair healthier than other fatty acids. It can be used to improve the health and appearance of your dog's fur.</p>It May Help Fight Off Pests
<p>The antimicrobial effects of coconut oil may prevent dogs from being infected by ectoparasites, such as ticks, fleas, and mange mites.</p><p>It has also been shown to help eliminate these pests in dogs that have already been infected.</p><p>These effects were confirmed by two studies in which dogs were treated with a shampoo made with coconut oil.</p><p>In one of these studies, coconut oil also appeared to facilitate wound healing in dogs with ectoparasite bites. This is likely associated with coconut oil's ability to inhibit bacterial growth.<a href="https://nextgendog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/34-ECTOPARASITICIDAL-EFFECT-OF-VIRGIN-COCONUT-Cocos-nucifera-OIL-SHAMPOO-IN-DOGS.pdf" target="_blank"></a></p><p>Moreover, coconut oil has also been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi in lab studies.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Coconut oil may be beneficial for preventing pest infections and treating bites.</p>Risks Associated With Using Coconut Oil on Dogs
<p>Although adverse effects are rare, there are a few things to consider before using coconut oil on your dog.</p><p>There's always the risk for an allergic reaction when introducing something new to your dog's diet or grooming regimen. If a reaction occurs, stop using it.</p><p>Also, some studies have shown that coconut oil can cause high cholesterol in dogs. In extreme cases, this can cause fatty plaques to develop in the arteries.</p><p>Furthermore, due to its high calorie content, using coconut oil in excess may lead to weight gain.</p><p>Lastly, one study concluded that a diet high in <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saturated-fat-good-or-bad" target="_blank">saturated fat</a> reduces dogs' scent-detecting abilities. More research is needed to better understand this finding, but you may want to use caution with coconut oil if you have a working dog.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Coconut oil may cause high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries, and weight gain in some dogs. If your dog is prone to any of these conditions, talk with a veterinarian before use.</p>How to Use Coconut Oil on Dogs
<p>Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts or have applied to their skin or fur.</p><p>When it comes to selecting a brand, virgin coconut oil is best, as most of coconut oil's benefits have been observed with this type.</p><p>According to some sources, coconut oil can generally be given to dogs one to two times a day with meals.</p><p>The amount you give your dog will depend on its size. If your dog is overweight or has obesity, don't give it coconut oil more than once a day.</p><p>Veterinarians stress the importance of starting slowly with coconut oil. This will allow you to monitor how your dog reacts to it.</p><p>Start by giving 1/4 teaspoon daily to small dogs or 1 tablespoon daily to big dogs and gradually increase the amount. If your dog tolerates it well after 2 weeks, increase the dose to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of body weight.</p><p>Due to a lack of research, these recommendations are not established.</p><p>Don't feed your dog coconut oil alone. Instead, mix it in with your dog's regular food. This will keep its diet varied and nutrient dense.</p><p>All dogs being fed coconut oil should be monitored for weight gain, diarrhea, and other symptoms that may signify intolerance.</p><p>Keep in mind that studies haven't revealed any benefits of using coconut oil in dog feed. On the other hand, using it on your dog's skin may improve certain skin conditions.</p><p>If you're applying the coconut oil topically, rub a small amount onto your hands and then gently pat its coat, running your fingers through the fur and massaging a little into its skin.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Coconut oil can be fed to dogs or applied to their skin. Start slowly and increase the amount you give your dog gradually.</p>Takeaway
<p>Research on using coconut oil for pets is lacking. The benefits are mainly anecdotal, as well as based on findings in humans, rodents, and test-tube studies.</p><p>Despite the lack of research, giving it to your dog in small doses is relatively safe.</p><p>Ultimately, it's a personal choice. Using coconut oil on your dog has a few potential benefits and might be worth trying.</p><p>The risks are unlikely but worth keeping in mind. It's important to monitor your dog's health after adding anything to its regimen.</p><p>Talk to a veterinarian if you have further questions or concerns about giving your dog coconut oil.</p>From Your Site Articles
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I eat mostly a plant-based diet, I say no to plastic straws and I'm trying to cut back on driving. But for my rescue pup Lela, I'll spoil her with a bit of grass-fed lamb, one of the most carbon-intensive meats out there.
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As a person who spends the whole work week writing and thinking about the environment, I cringe at the thought of my dog's substantial environmental pawprint. So when <a href="http://news.trust.org//item/20190110182753-r5ex1/" target="_blank">news came out</a> that British company <a href="https://www.yorapetfoods.com/" target="_blank">Yora</a> is offering pet food that swaps meat with <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/are-insects-the-next-climate-friendly-superfood-1882022707.html" target="_blank">climate-friendly insects</a>, that got me thinking about how all pet owners can make better environmental choices for their furballs.
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Is Your Pet Exposed to Glyphosate? New Study to Offer Tests and Investigate Risks
29 May 2018
Animals
normanack / CC BY 2.0
By Julie Wilson
We know that humans increasingly test positive for residues of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller. For example, in tests conducted by a University of California San Francisco lab, 93 percent of the participants tested positive for glyphosate residues.
In the European Union, when 48 members of Parliament volunteered for glyphosate testing, every one of them tested positive.
<p>In October 2017, Time magazine <a href="http://time.com/4993877/weed-killer-roundup-levels-humans/" target="_blank">reported on a study</a> involving 50 Californians who were tested between 1993-1996 and again between 2014-2016. Scientists found that not only did the number of people who tested positive for glyphosate residues increase, but so did the amounts of the residues detected. </p><p>Humans are exposed to glyphosate via the food they eat, the air they breathe, the water they drink and the lawns, gardens, parks and other environments they frequent. If humans are contaminated with glyphosate, it stands to reason that their pets are, too.</p><p>In fact, a recent pilot study shows that <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/animals/">animals</a> are likely to have even higher levels—up to 50 percent higher—of glyphosate in their bodies.</p><p>"In a pilot study, we noticed that dogs' glyphosate levels were, on average, 50 times higher than people's," said Dr. John Fagan, chief scientist at HRI Labs and former researcher at the National Institutes of Health. "Recent biomedical research suggests harm to health at these levels, and even lower," he added.</p><p>To follow up on the pilot study, HRI Labs has launched a citizen science research project whereby the lab will work with pet owners to determine why animals have such a high exposure to glyphosate.</p><p>The project, launched on Tuesday, May 8, aims to identify the primary route by which pets are exposed to the weedkiller. The outcome is expected to give pet owners the information they need to protect their loved ones from a potentially deadly toxin—one that has already been found in disturbingly high levels in dogs.</p><p>Pets may be more vulnerable to toxins because they are lower to the ground, have unprotected paws and may eat foods laced with glyphosate, says Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian known for her <a href="https://healthypets.mercola.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Pets blog</a>.</p><p>Pet owners throughout North America can participate in the study by requesting a collection kit, sending a sample of their pet's urine to HRI Labs and completing an online survey about their pet's diet, health and lifestyle. Learn more about the study <a href="http://hrilabs.org/animalstudy/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Studies Link Lawn Chemicals to Canine Cancer</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.organicconsumers.org/newsletter/organic-bytes-587-what-fda-isnt-telling-you-about-weedkiller-your-food/pet-peeve%C2%A0" target="_blank">New research</a> suggests that exposure to pesticides may affect canines similarly to how it affects humans. Scientists have increasingly been able to link lawn chemicals, particularly 2,4-D, to canine <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/cancer">cancer</a>.</p><p>"Studies found that lawn chemicals travel to neighboring yards and inside homes, and chemicals have been found in the urine of dogs whose owners did not spray their lawns," reports <a href="http://thinkaboutnow.com/2017/06/studies-link-canine-cancers-to-lawn-chemicals/" target="_blank">Think About Now</a>.</p><p>"Chemicals were detected in the urine of dogs in 14 of 25 households before lawn treatment, in 19 of 25 households after lawn treatment, and in 4 of 8 untreated households. Chemicals were commonly detected in grass residues from treated lawns, and from untreated lawns suggesting chemical drift from nearby treated areas."</p><p>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267855/" target="_blank">six-year study</a> by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine reported a 70 percent higher risk of canine malignant lymphoma (CML) in dogs exposed to professionally applied <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/pesticides">pesticides</a>.</p><p>Other studies have also linked herbicides containing 2,4-D to CML, which is reported to have "a similar histology and epidemiology" as non-Hodgkin lymphoma—also linked to 2,4-D exposure.</p><p>Even at low concentrations, <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/roundup">Roundup</a> and glyphosate are linked to <a href="https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/monsantos-roundup-enough-make-you-sick" target="_blank">myriad health problems</a>, including everything from kidney disease to birth defects to cancer.</p><p><a href="https://www.organicconsumers.org/blog/new-study-epas-safe-levels-chemical-your-food-arent-so-safe-after-all" target="_blank">Recent reports</a> say glyphosate may alter the human microbiome—a complex ecosystem made up of microorganisms that control a range of important processes including immune system function and brain health—and at levels considered "safe" by the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/epa">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>.</p><p>If glyphosate is capable of wreaking this much havoc on human health, then what impact is it having on the health of our pets?</p><p>The scientists at HRI Labs aim to find out.</p><p>''The citizen science movement makes it possible to carry out rigorous scientific research on topics that are not necessarily of interest to corporations and government agencies that typically fund most research," HRI Labs stated in a <a href="http://hrilabs.org/news-updates/pet-glyphosate-study/" target="_blank">recent press release</a>.</p><p>To learn more about the study or to participate, <a href="http://hrilabs.org/animalstudy/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>
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</p><div id="12ecd" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="XJTZFY1576662306"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="970242470259970048" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">California Court Ruling Ends Decades of State Pesticide Spraying https://t.co/Wus6twhgFU @wwwfoecouk @greenpeaceaustp</div> — EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)<a href="https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/970242470259970048">1520158805.0</a></blockquote></div>
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<p><em>Julie Wilson is communications associate for the <a href="https://www.organicconsumers.org/" target="_blank">Organic Consumers Association</a>.</em></p>
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By Danny Prater
Are dog bone treats dangerous? A statement issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rippled across the internet, sparking discussions about the potential dangers of giving dogs processed bones to chew on and ingest as treats. According to reports, dozens of dogs are known to have fallen ill or been injured by bone treats, and at least 15 have died, but the actual number of unreported cases is likely much higher.
<p style="">However, this warning is nothing new. In fact, the FDA only re-released an already-existing statement detailing the dangers of giving bone treats to dogs as a cautionary measure in advance of the holidays, as people are more likely to give the special dogs in their lives bone treats as gifts. According to the FDA, bone treats pose the following threats to dogs: oral wounds, choking, vomiting, intestinal blockage, diarrhea and even death. A dog experiencing symptoms may require an emergency visit to the vet and possibly even surgery.</p>
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<h4 style="">What Can You Do to Keep Your Animal Companion Safe?</h4><p style=""><strong>Don't give dogs unsafe treats like cooked bones, pig ears, cow hooves or jerky treats.</strong></p><p style="">Dogs may think these items are special, but they can cause a lot of harm. Processed animal bones are often brittle with jagged edges and can result in a very sick dog. Dogs who ingest these types of products can develop conditions like gastroenteritis and pancreatitis, both of which can result in vomiting and may even require hospitalization for IV fluid support. Since 2007, at least 4,800 dogs and cats have fallen ill, and more than 1,000 dogs have died of kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding and Fanconi syndrome, a rare kidney disorder, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/toxic-jerky-treats-dog-deaths-fda_n_5353462.html" target="_blank">after eating jerky-style treats</a>. These are only the cases that were documented, and countless other dogs may have also been adversely affected.</p><p><strong>Choose treats that are size-appropriate.</strong></p><p style="">Offering a treat that is too small may cause dogs to swallow an object whole, while feeding them one that is too large could cause a fragment to get stuck in their throat. Treats should break into small pieces as the dog chews.</p><p style=""><strong>Try these bone-free treats and foods instead!</strong></p><p style="">There is a wide variety of safe, fun dog treats to add to your holiday shopping list for the dogs and dog lovers in your life. <a href="https://v-dog.com/pages/treats" target="_blank">Bone-free treats are available</a> from vegan retailers like V-dog. And check out this <a href="http://www.petacatalog.com/gifts/holiday_dog_treat_wreath/" target="_blank">Holiday Dog Treat Wreath</a>, which is decorated with vegan treats from <a href="http://threepawsgourmet.com/" target="_blank">Threepaws Gourmet</a>. All the brands and products listed in our <a href="https://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/companion-animal-food-guide/" target="_blank">Vegan Dog Food Guide</a> are also worth checking out.</p><p style="">You can find other <a href="http://www.petacatalog.com/companionanimals-1/" target="_blank">animal-friendly items for your dog</a> to chew on (or wear) at <a href="http://petacatalog.com" target="_blank">PETACatalog</a>.</p>
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<p style=""><strong>Keep an eye on your dog.</strong><br></p><p style="">Recreational chewing can be a healthy way to keep your dogs' teeth clean, but remember that it's always important to keep a close eye on them. They can't always communicate their pain or discomfort clearly to their human guardians, so it's important to recognize what "normal" looks like—and to realize when they may be in trouble.</p>
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As harmful algal blooms become more widespread, it's important to understand the dangerous impacts these toxic organisms can have on people, planet and even your pets.
<p>Algal blooms often resemble foamy mats, floating on the water. They can look like pea soup or spilled paint, often green, or blue-green in color. Without analyzing the water sample in a lab, it is impossible to know whether or not the bloom is harmful. To ensure the safety for yourself and your pets, it is best to avoid water that appears to have any blooms.</p><p>One unfortunate example is when 16-month-old black lab, Alex, was swimming in a reservoir that, unbeknownst to his owner, had an outbreak of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/algae">harmful algae</a>. Alex later collapsed and was immediately rushed to the vet. Unfortunately, despite treatment, he died five hours later from cyanobacteria neurotoxins, one of the toxins found in algal blooms.</p><p>"Dogs can be particularly susceptible to the effects of [harmful algal blooms] because of their behavior, sometimes drinking water from ponds, lakes and streams; cleaning their wet fur; and consuming algal mats or scum with attractive odors," N.Y. Sea Grant Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist, Jesse Lepak told <a href="http://greatlakestoday.org/post/dogs-and-algae-blooms-fatal-combination" target="_blank">Great Lakes Today</a>.</p><p>Toxic algal blooms can be found in more than <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/toxic-algae-blooms-20-states-1993109050.html">20 states</a>. Beaches in South Florida were covered last summer by a toxic algae sludge, prompting Florida Gov. Rick Scott to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/guacamole-thick-algae-takes-over-floridas-atlantic-coast-4-counties-de-1897126774.html">declare</a> local states of emergency. California and Utah were heavily affected last year as well, and the Great Lakes region is known to have an over abundance of harmful blooms. In 2014, the Western <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/solving-lake-eries-toxic-algae-bloom-crisis-1929932496.html">Lake Erie</a> Basin had its most intense bloom of toxic algae ever recorded, which shut down water supplies for nearly half a million people in Toledo, Ohio.<span></span></p><p><span></span>The <a href="https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/" target="_blank">Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory</a> and the <a href="https://ciglr.seas.umich.edu/" target="_blank">Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research</a> are working to identify factors that influence toxic algal blooms, as well as developing methods to forecast outbreaks. So, while there are steps being taken to resolve this issue, it is important that people are aware of the problem.</p><p>NOAA suggests to keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from swimming in or drinking potentially dangerous water. However, if your dog does come into contact with potentially toxic water, be sure to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:</p> <ul class="ee-ul"><li>repeated vomiting </li> <li>diarrhea or bloody stool </li> <li>loss of appetite</li> <li>yellowing of eye whites </li> <li>dark urine </li> <li>stumbling, seizures, convulsions, paralysis </li> <li>excessive salivation</li> <li>disorientation, inactivity or depression </li> <li>difficulty breathing</li> <li>skin rashes/hives</li></ul>
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By Perry Wheeler
Following global pressure on pet food companies, industry giants Mars and Nestlé have announced that they will take steps to ensure their pet food supply chains are free of human rights abuses and illegally caught seafood. Their commitments to act on transshipping at sea increase the need for global seafood giant Thai Union, a supplier for both companies, to eliminate any outstanding risks of human rights abuses and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in its own supply chains.
Nestlé has committed to a full ban on transshipment at sea in its supply chains, while Mars has committed to suspend the use of transshipped products in its supply chains if its seafood suppliers cannot adequately address the human rights and illegal fishing issues associated with the practice in the coming weeks.
"Pet owners and activists have demanded that companies eliminate human rights abuses from their pet food supply chains. This move toward stopping out of control transshipment at sea means we're finally seeing results," said Greenpeace USA oceans campaigner Graham Forbes.
"These are the two largest pet food companies in the world and their commitments to address transshipping at sea will put significant pressure on suppliers like Thai Union to show the leadership needed to clean up their own seafood supply chains. We'll be closely monitoring Mars' and Nestlé's progress to ensure these policies lead to real changes on the water," added Forbes.
Greenpeace launched a campaign in 2016, Cats vs. Bad Tuna, to demand that Mars ensure its supply chains were free of any potential human rights abuses. A Greenpeace Southeast Asia report, Turn the Tide, demonstrated the unacceptably high risk of tainted seafood entering numerous supply chains throughout 2016, including Nestlé and Thai Union's. Nestlé immediately committed to address the concerns when they were raised in the report. Mars committed to tackle unchecked transshipment at sea in its pet food supply chains this month.
"Over the past several years, Nestlé and Greenpeace have worked together to strengthen Nestlé's policies governing the procurement and responsible sourcing of seafood," said Nestlé Purina PetCare head of sustainability Jack Scott. "In light of Greenpeace's research findings, Nestlé has committed to a ban on all transshipments at sea."
Transshipment is a process through which companies move fish from one vessel to another, enabling them to remain at sea for extended periods of time to plunder the oceans, dodge regulations and keep fishers as a captive workforce. In addition to its connections to human rights abuse, transshipment at sea provides an opportunity for illegal fishing vessels to unload their illegally caught loads into supply chains, away from port authorities. In 2015, an estimated 40 percent of these transfers happened on the high seas, outside of the jurisdiction of national authorities. Transshipment at sea has also been linked to other organized crime, including drug, weapon and wildlife trafficking.
Mars' and Nestlé's commitments send a strong message to Thai Union to address transshipment in its supply chains. Greenpeace is currently pressuring Thai Union to make sweeping changes for workers and our oceans across its seafood supply chains. Greenpeace has campaigned on Thai Union since 2015 and is asking the company to lead the seafood industry by ending transshipment at sea, addressing overfishing and destructive fishing and increasing traceability from sea to plate.
"Mars recognizes the risks of transshipment at sea. We want to see human rights respected and the environment protected in our seafood supply chains" said Isabelle Aelvoet, global sustainability director at Mars Petcare.
"The current problems associated with transshipment are serious and demand urgent attention. We are committed to working with our suppliers to remedy these problems, but if we cannot resolve these issues to our satisfaction quickly, we will seek to end the use of transshipped products in our supply chains until these serious problems are fixed."
Thursday's news follows a new report from Global Fishing Watch highlighting the problems with transshipment at sea. The report found that from 2012-2016, refrigerated cargo vessels participated in more than 5,000 likely transshipments. Concerns were raised about Mars and Nestlé supply chains in a 2015 New York Times investigation into human rights abuses at sea.